Into the Fire

Pick one. You've probably used a few of these well-known clichés and/or phrases several times in your life to encourage yourself or others. Sometimes these words hit home and score what they were designed to do. Other times they serve as reminders of how clichés are formed. There is truth there, but it's been repeated so often the original intent has become smudged from overuse like fingered penciled notes.

Words mean things, and we need them. Words rub us raw. Words take us to emotional skies and drop us just as fast back down to earth. Words keep silent and run off in our heads. Words tumble out awkwardly and embarrass us or endear us. Words stop in our throats and won't commit. Words gush from insincere lips and create gauzy messes. Words make or break us.

We understand when told, "Let your words be few." Because sometimes words don't say what we mean or mean what we say.

May those words you need today be on your tongues and be released in beauty and grace.

Father, may we write or speak the words you give us. In spirit and in truth. With love. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.